What size birthing ball?

starshineamator · January 2013

I keep reading different things and I'm all confused. I'm 5'4, and I've read that based on my height I should get a 55cm or 60cm, but then I've read that women under 5'10 should get a 65cm. Nobody seems to have the same or conclusive information. Any suggestions? I know how it is supposed to work, being able to sit on it at a 90* angle, but there is no where for me to try one out and I'd most likely end up ordering it online since they are way cheaper. I'd love some advice!

littleusfamily · January 2013

I'm a little under 5 foot and I went with the 55cm. Everything I read suggested that size for my height. I originally purchased it for prenatal work outs.

I know that for me the 65cm would be too big to be comfortable. Maybe a 60cm would work best for you?

runlong3 · January 2013

I'm 5'4" and I bought a 55cm. I find that I still have a 90 degree angle and I think it's comfortable to sit on. Now if you're all legs you might find you want the 65.

breathlessbride · January 2013

5'10" and I got the biggest one they had, so I guess that was the 65. I tried the smaller one (freebie from my sis) but it just felt wrong.

I'm not sure what you mean about it being cheaper online. I got a clear one at Walmart for $10. Then again, that was 3 years ago! I mean sure, I could've paid $20 for a blue one but who cares? :-p

starshineamator · January 2013

Maybe I need to check again then! Thanks for the advice.

I actually think there is a bigger one, a 75cm one that they recommend for really tall women.

I just wish stores would have them blown up so you could sit on them and see! Wonder if a gym will let me walk in and just test them without a membership? haha

pepomntpat · January 2013

I'm 5'2" and the 55 cm ball did not keep my knees below or level with my hips. They were slightly above, so I got the 65 cm and inflated it to 60 cm and it is perfect. I am still easily able to keep my feet flat on the floor and my knees are slightly below my hips as they should be for optimal fetal positioning.

breathlessbride · January 2013

If you want to try them, you could see if your midwife/birthing center will let you come in and sit. You could also get in touch with La Leche League, I know I really liked going to their meetings before I gave birth and you will get a lot of advice there! (But you don't have to take all of it!)

9fraulein · January 2013

I just tried a small one and a big one at birth prep class. I'm only 5'0" and I thought the bigger one was pretty comfy. Sorry I don't know what they were in cm but I think I would opt for slightly bigger than smaller.

danuli8 · January 2013

I am 5'2" and just got a ball last weekend at [nickname for Richard]'s Sporting Goods. I got the 55 cm one. The side of the box recommends 55cm for 4'11" to 5'5", 65cm for 5'6" to 5'11", and 75 cm for 6'0" to 6'6".

ETA: I had to edit because I can't write D***'s!

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